The One With the Public Radio Segment: FRIENDS Experience Opens In Chicago
WDCB’s Gary Zidek visits the new Friends Experience in Chicago.
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Over sixteen years after the Friends series finale aired, the sitcom is still among the most-watched shows in the world thanks to global syndication and streaming agreements. Last year, when Friends was still on Netflix, it was the platform’s second-most watched series.
Realizing that there’s still a rapid fanbase out there, the event production company Superfly X partnered with Warner Brothers to present the FRIENDS Experience. Originally created to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, the Experience welcomed fans in New York city last year.
Now, the FRIENDS Experience has come to Chicago. The interactive space located at 540 N Michigan Avenue features two floors and 12 rooms filled with lots of photo-ops.
WDCB’s Gary ZIdek sitting down for some fake coffee in a recreation of Central Perk in the Friends Experience
The fountain in the opening credits, Joey & Chandler’s apartment, Monica’s balcony and of course Central Perk are just some of the recreated sets available for visitors to explore in the Friends Experience.
Chandler and Joey’s infamous recliners are available for photo ops in the Friends Experience
A chance to recreate the opening credits of Friends
A number of COVID-19-related safety measures will be in effect to make sure the visitor experience is safe. Ticket-holders will have their temperatures checked upon entering, UV sterilization will be used to clean different parts of the giant space and hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the Experience.
One installation details the timeline of Rachel’s much-discussed hairstyles over the years.
